THE STRENGTH TO FIGHT.
THE CONFIDENCE TO WIN.

THE STRENGTH TO FIGHT.
THE CONFIDENCE TO WIN.

Aggressive Defense Against State & Federal Drug Charges

When you have been accused of a drug charge, whether you are under investigation or have already been arrested, you need to take it seriously. Convictions for drug crimes lead to harsh penalties under both Florida state and federal law.

Comprehensive Drug Charge Defense Practice

When you or a loved one is suspected of committing any drug crime — from possession for personal use to trafficking — our legal team can help. We take state and federal cases involving cannabis, cocaine, heroin, opiates, methamphetamines, prescription drugs and other controlled substances.

At Mandell Law PA, we will work with you one-on-one to protect your rights, help you understand your options, and pursue the best outcome under the circumstances. We understand the Orlando-area courts, the courts across Florida and throughout the nation.

Confident Representation In High-Stakes Federal Drug Charge Cases

If you face a federal drug charge such as manufacturing, trafficking or distribution, you are up against a mandatory minimum prison sentence if convicted. Every federal drug offense carries a minimum sentence.

Our Orlando, Florida legal team has over 25 years of combined experience handling tough cases in state and federal court. We are well-prepared to defend you at any stage. If we get involved in your case before you are arrested, we will take aggressive and proactive action to prevent charges from being filed.

If charges are unavoidable, we will work to ensure you are not overcharged. We do this by:

  • Limiting investigator access
  • Seeking to exclude illegally obtained evidence
  • Negotiating with prosecutorial agencies from the earliest stages
  • Ensuring that the absence of a drug history is considered favorably
  • Drawing on our extensive legal knowledge to protect your rights

What To Know About Florida Drug Crimes

A state-level drug crime is an offense that violates Florida law. State drug crimes differ from federal ones in several ways. They often involve smaller quantities of drugs and are prosecuted under state laws, which may be more lenient than federal laws. State cases also tend to focus more on possession rather than trafficking.

Controlled substances fall into different schedules depending on the nature of each substance. Schedule I drugs are considered the most serious and Schedule V the least. State-level offenses usually involve drugs in Schedules II to V. Some common substances that can lead to state-level drug charges include:

  • Codeine
  • Ketamine
  • Prescription medications containing opioids and benzodiazepines.
  • Small amounts of marijuana and cannabis
  • Small amounts of cocaine

Penalties for state drug crimes can vary widely. They depend on the type and amount of the drug and whether the offense involves possession, distribution, or manufacturing. For example, possessing a small amount of certain drugs may result in fines or probation. Possessing large quantities of drugs or intending to distribute them can lead to significant jail time and hefty fines.

Federal Drug Charges And How They Can Affect You

Federal drug crimes are more severe than state drug crimes. They often involve larger quantities of drugs, trafficking across state lines or involvement with organized crime. Federal laws cover a wide range of substances, including those listed under the Controlled Substances Act. Most Schedule I substances can lead to federal charges. Common substances affiliated with federal charges include:

  • Cocaine
  • Methamphetamine
  • LSD
  • Heroin
  • Large quantities of marijuana

Trafficking drugs across state lines or international borders can also elevate a case to the federal level. The penalties for federal drug crimes are typically harsher and can include long-term imprisonment and substantial fines. Federal drug crimes often come with mandatory minimum sentences. This means that judges have less discretion in sentencing, leading to longer prison terms.

Legal Help Before Your Drug Charges Are Filed

Whenever possible, we prefer to get involved in drug cases before charges are ever filed. By doing so, we can work with agents on your behalf to obtain information and aim to direct the process from the very beginning.

Frequently Asked Questions On Drug Crimes

Facing charges for drug offenses, whether federal or state, can be a scary experience, especially for those charged with a criminal offense for the first time. If you’re currently facing charges, you might have questions about your current situation. We at Mandell Law PA have provided answers to some of the more common questions related to drug crimes:

What are the federal sentencing guidelines for drugs?

Federal drug sentencing follows strict guidelines based on the type and quantity of drugs involved. Penalties range from probation to life in prison, with factors like prior convictions and violence playing a role. Our attorneys thoroughly understand these complex guidelines to pursue the most favorable resolution.

How can you get a drug trafficking charge dismissed?

Dismissal of drug trafficking charges is possible by identifying constitutional violations, such as unlawful searches or arrests, or by challenging the prosecution’s evidence as insufficient. Our firm meticulously examines every aspect of your case to identify and capitalize on any weaknesses in the state’s allegations.

Can you be charged for drug possession after the fact?

Yes, it’s possible to face possession charges even if drugs were previously consumed or discarded, if residue or paraphernalia is found during a legal search. However, our attorneys are skilled at suppressing illegally obtained evidence to protect your rights.

Which drug crimes lead to federal charges?

Drug crimes that cross state lines or involve large quantities can trigger federal charges, which tend to be more severe. Examples include interstate drug trafficking, manufacturing or cultivation operations, and conspiracies. Our experience spans both state and federal drug cases.

Will I lose my license in florida if convicted of a drug charge?

Many drug convictions in Florida result in a suspended driver’s license, even for first-time offenders. However, we explore options to avoid this penalty whenever possible through plea negotiations or by prevailing at trial. Protecting your driving privileges is a top priority.

If you have a question that’s not on this list, we’re always available to discuss your case with you and answer any inquiries you might have.

Protect Your Future. Call Today.

If you or someone you love is under investigation or has been arrested for a drug offense, contact us as soon as possible for a free and confidential case review. To schedule a no-obligation consultation with our lead attorney Robert I. Mandell, call 407-956-1180 or send us an email today. Our office is in Orlando.

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